“It’s just for five minutes, Ima,” Rafe says. “Maybe take Orly to feed the fishes in the koi pond?”
Hearing this, Orly jumps up, abandoning the crayons. “Feed fishies!”
“Fine.” Naomi sighs and takes Orly by the hand. “Where’s the food?”
“In the pantry,” Rafe says. “Just don’t feed them too much.”
“I’m a Jewish mother.” Naomi winks at her son before turning to go. “This is a tall order.”
Xander jumps up the instant they are gone, but he doesn’t put Princess down yet.
“Okay, you two. I’d like to see you on the couch together,” Xander says, pointing at the upholstered sectional he’s just vacated. He leans down to fluff a flowery pillow and pats the seat.
“Sure.” Rafe hands me my glass of lemonade and a hand to help me up from the floor. “I take it you want us to act like we’re a little more than just friends for this scenario?”
“This is a little awkward.” I narrow my eyes at Xander. “Do you really need us to put on a show for you?”
“It’s not for me!” Xander feigns shock at the very suggestion. “It’s forPrincess.”
“Come on, Lorelei,darling.” Rafe gently pulls me down next to him on the couch. “It’s just acting. It’s not like we’ve never had to do that.”
“Perfect!” Xander squeaks slightly and claps, causing Princess to bark.
“How does this make you feel,Princess?” I stare down Xander while talking to the dog.
“I dunno. I think you two need to get closer.” Xander grins back at me wickedly. “I don’t think the dog’s buying your act.”
Rafe places both of our drinks on coasters on the coffee table before casually draping an arm around me and scooting closer. When my cover-up slips off my shoulder, he pulls it back up and toys with the trim, alternating between twirling a pom-pom and stroking my collarbone. His hair is still damp from the pool, and he smells delicious. Suntan oil, sunshine, earth, and that certain spice that’s just him.
“Better,” Xander says, nodding, pacing, and stroking his chin like a director setting up a scene. “But maybe—and I hate to be so forward—but maybe Rafe you could just kiss Lorelei?” He glances down at the dog and makes an apologetic face.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Xander,” I say, about to call his bluff and get him to fess up that heknows. But before I can get the words out, Rafe is leaning toward me and kissing me.
He places a hand on my neck and nibbles at my lower lip, pulling a low groan out of me that I really didn’t mean to set free.
“Good. Good job, guys. I’m just going to put the dog down in the kitchen, and we’ll see how she does.” Out of the corner of my eye, I see Xander backing away, mumbling to the dog. “C’mon, girl, Uncle Xandy has some treats for you. Good girl.”
Rafe’s tongue is teasing mine, and I’m having flashbacks to the feeling of his hands all over my body by the pool.
I push him away, gasping a little. “Surely that’s enough?”
Xander is standing in front of the fridge with the door open, helping himself to some berries straight out of the container. The dog is still tucked under his arm, eating treats out of his other hand.
“What?” he says absentmindedly, turning back to us.
“Come on, Xander!” I say. “You know it’s me. Just admit it.”
“Wait … you two know each other?” Rafe looks confused.
“Like family.” Xander smirks. “Kenna’s like my second big sister.”
“And Xander’s like my really annoying little brother.” I sigh. “He’s my best friend Georgia’s brother. We volunteer together with the shelter pets.”
“I fluff ’em up for her beauty shots.” Xander shuts the fridge door. “Don’t I, Princess?” He lets the dog lick his face again.
“So this was all some sort of joke?” Rafe removes his arm from around me. “You’re punking me?”
“More likely, he’s punking me,” I say. “I’m so sorry, Rafe. Shame on you, Xander.”
